Aedes aegypti mosquito

Stop Invasive Mosquitoes

What is a vector?

A vector is any animal or insect that can accidentally make a human being or another animal sick. Many vectors are insects that feed on blood. When they bite an infected animal, the vector ingests microorganisms found in the sick animal’s blood that cause illness. When the vector bites a healthy animal or human, it transmits the pathogens now making them sick. 

Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and some wildlife are considered vectors. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and West Nile virus. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Some wildlife like bats, raccoons, coyotes, and opossums can transmit rabies through a bite. Rodents (rats and mice) are also a vector and can spread diseases through their feces and urine. Rodents and wildlife can also carry ectoparasites like mites, and fleas which can make you sick and uncomfortable with their bites. 

Our mission is to keep mosquito populations low to protect you from getting sick, monitor for these diseases, and keep your community healthy. 

Our Staff

Edgar Nolasco, Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency Director

Edgar Nolasco

Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency Director

Edgar manages all CEPA’s functions and ensures efficiency for all CEPA’s departments.

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Dr. Nayer Zahiri, Vector Control District Manager

Dr. Nayer Zahiri

Vector Control District Manager

Nayer oversees our surveillance and operations programs, budget allocation, and resource recruitment.

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Noor, Technology Service Manager

Dr. Noor Tietze

Vector Control Science - Technology Service Manager

Noor leads our surveillance program. He is in charge of managing our fellow and intern program, helps register our staff for educational workshops, and is a treasurer for the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California.

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